Since then, newborn numbers have been increasing with five pups born in late October, 67 in early November and now 1,611 in late November.

This season's seal pup count:

October 22 - 1 pup

October 26 - 5 pups

November 2 - 67 pups

November 9 - 415 pups

November 16 - 943 pups

November 23 - 1,611 pups

The nature reserve, in North Somercotes, is continuing to enforce its £5 parking charge which was introduced last year as a method to reduce the volume of vehicles arriving in the village.

However it was not only congestion which caused concern in the area as residents reported receiving abuse from drivers and having litter thrown into their gardens.

Every year grey seals arrive at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire to give birth to their pups (Image: Anna Draper/ Lincolnshire Echo)

Visitors have been taking to social media to share their excitement over this season's seals, with many thanking wardens for their expert knowledge.

Tracey Stevenson said: "It was a pleasure today to see them all and talk to the wardens.

"It's amazing that we are allowed up there at such a crucial time and it genuinely feels like the privilege it is."

Donna Nook seal statistics

The stretch of coastline is a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust National Nature Reserve and area of special scientific interest. It’s internationally recognised as one of the largest seal colonies in England.

Grey seals have been coming to Donna Nook since the 1970s, when around six pups per season were usually born

In 2016, the first seal pup was born on October 24

In total for 2016, Donna Nook saw 1,959 recorded pups born

In 2016 - no less than 72,000 people came to marvel at, photograph or film the action!

In 2017, the first pup was born on Friday, October 13

In mid November, 2017 the Donna Nook warden reported a total seal count of 680 which rose to 1,791 just a week later; made up of 452 bulls, 812 cows and 527 pups

At the final count up of the 2017 season, there were 2,033 pups born - a 3.8% increase on 2016

Pam Smith said: "I had a lovely couple of visits this week and thank you for answering my questions.